21 October 2026Growing up
My 2-year-old says far fewer words than their friends. Is this normal?
There's a wide range of normal, and many late talkers catch up. A useful guide: by about 2, many children say around 50 words and start putting two words together. Understanding matters as much as speaking.
Try this tonight
Narrate your day, pause and wait, and expand what they say ("Car!" "Yes, a big red car"). Read together daily and keep screens off in the background.
When to check in
Ask your GP or health visitor for a hearing and speech check if there are no words by 16 to 18 months, no two-word phrases by 2, or your child loses words.
Official guidance: CDC: Milestones and checklists
You're not alone.
